Archaeologists are increasingly recognizing the early Pueblo period as a major social and demographic transition in Southwest history. This book is the first comprehensive summary of population growth and migration, the materialization of early villages, cultural diversity, relations of social power, and the emergence of early great houses during the Pueblo period. It also explores the dynamics of social identity, power, and gender during this time of rapid change. With contributions by 25 of the leading archaeologists working in the Southwest, this important volume offers new insights about the origins of villages and examines how the study of the early Pueblo period contributes to an anthropological understanding of Southwest history and early farming societies throughout the world. -- Publisher description